Inulins are a group of naturally occurring polysaccharides produced by many types of plants.
They belong to a class of dietary fibers known as Fructosans.
Most plants that synthesize and store inulin do not store other forms of carbohydrate such as starch.
Inulin is increasingly used in processed foods. It can be used to replace sugar, fat, and flour.
It contains 25-35% of the food energy of carbohydrates (starch, sugar).
Promoting the growth of intestinal bacteria it is categorized as a prebiotic stimulating the immune system of the body, decreasing the pathogenic bacteria in the intestine.
It relieves constipation, decreses the risk of osteoporosis by increasing calcium absorption, reduces the risk of atherosclerosis by lowering the synthesis of triglycerides and fatty acids in the liver and decreasing their level in serum.
These fructans regulate carbohydrate and lipid metabolism by lowering the blood glucose levels; they are also effective in lowering the blood urea and uric acid levels. Inulin and oligofructose also reduce the incidence of colon cancer.
Because of the large number of health promoting functions of inulin and oligofructose, these have wide applications in various types of foods like confectionery, fruit preparations, milk desserts, yogurt and fresh cheese, baked goods, chocolate, ice cream and sauces. Inulin can also be used for the preparation of fructose syrups.
Food sources: Onions,Jerusalem Artichokes, Bananas, Asparagus, Garlic, Chicory root.
Promoting the growth of intestinal bacteria it is categorized as a prebiotic stimulating the immune system of the body, decreasing the pathogenic bacteria in the intestine.
It relieves constipation, decreses the risk of osteoporosis by increasing calcium absorption, reduces the risk of atherosclerosis by lowering the synthesis of triglycerides and fatty acids in the liver and decreasing their level in serum.
These fructans regulate carbohydrate and lipid metabolism by lowering the blood glucose levels; they are also effective in lowering the blood urea and uric acid levels. Inulin and oligofructose also reduce the incidence of colon cancer.
Because of the large number of health promoting functions of inulin and oligofructose, these have wide applications in various types of foods like confectionery, fruit preparations, milk desserts, yogurt and fresh cheese, baked goods, chocolate, ice cream and sauces. Inulin can also be used for the preparation of fructose syrups.
Food sources: Onions,Jerusalem Artichokes, Bananas, Asparagus, Garlic, Chicory root.
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